Across the Ruler

A smooth wooden ruler lay across two stacks of art books on the low table, forming a narrow bridge between them. With my arms held out to the sides for balance, I stepped onto the first numbered mark. The varnished wood felt firm and cool beneath my feet. I took slow, measured steps along the straight edge, pausing at every inch line to stay steady. In the middle, the wood gave a tiny, gentle creak against the book covers. I kept my balance, took three more quiet paces, and reached the safety of the second book stack.